A repetitive DNA sequence used as a specific probe for Fasciola hepatica in
fections in snails was examined in F. hepatica and Fasciola gigantica (36 i
ndividuals) specimens from five continents. The degree of intraspecific ide
ntity ranged from 79 to 99% in F. hepatica and from 93 to 99% in F. giganti
ca. The interspecific identity ranged from 81 to 100%, confirming the sugge
stion that the DNA probe sequence could be used worldwide as an epidemiolog
ical tool for the examination of the intermediate host snail in fasciolosis
. Differentiation between F. hepatica and F. gigantica infections in snails
was not possible using the probe. (C) 1998 Australian Society for Parasito
logy. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.